Glossary Of Film Making Terms - N

N

Negative – The original film that is used in the camera, from which a positive print is made for editing. The negative is assembled to match the edited workprint, and an answer print, for projection of the completed film, is struck from the negative.

Negative Cutter – The person who cuts and assembles the original negative to match the edited workprint, which then goes to the lab for the answer print.

Negative Matcher – same as Negative Cutter.

Non-Reflex – A camera that does not have a “through the lens” viewfinding system, but gives you an image in the viewfinder through a seperate lens. Older Bolexes and Bell & Howell cameras are non-reflex.

Normal Lens – In 16mm this is the 25mm lens. In 35mm it is the 50mm lens. It is the point between the widening of the image by the wide angle lens and the magnifiying of the image by the telephoto lens.

Nose Grease – Just what it sounds like. Used in the old trick among camerapersons to lubricate the pressure plate by wiping it along the side of the nose. Nose grease has the scientific name of squalene which is also found in shark's liver oil.

Nose Room – When a subject is in profile, nose room is the space between their face and the edge of the frame, similar to Head Room. In a profile shot, nose room is considered “good” when a little extra room in front of the person’s face, rather than behind their head. The general rule is that the space around the subject should be apportioned to 2/3rds in front of the subject’s head, and 1/3rd behind.